ILOILO CITY -- Mayor Jerry Treñas of Iloilo City has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to probe the street brawl early morning of Sunday, Jan. 15, the video of which went viral.
“The PNP is hereby instructed to investigate the matter and file necessary charges,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas in a statement.
The incident came as the city was preparing for the highlight of the 2023 Dinagyang Festival.
In the three-minute video uploaded by Junry Segara, a pickup truck was seen along Diversion Road in Mandurriao district past 4 a.m. of Jan. 15.
It appeared that the vehicle stopped and confronted a group of young men along the street when punches were exchanged back and forth as well as rocks thrown at the vehicle.
One of the young men was even seen kicking an opponent.
When the group with the vehicle left, some of the young men from the opposing group were still chasing the vehicle.
Treñas also called the attention of Colonel Leo Batiles, chief of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), to beef up police presence.
"They should ensure the presence of cops in all places, especially areas where people converge to prevent and avoid instances of free-for-all rambol like the one early morning today,” added Treñas.